Osteopaths can treat patients from a few days old up to their 90's. Osteopathic treatment is appropriate for a wide variety of disorders including back pain, muscular problems sports injuries and treatment of babies and children.
No, you do not need to see the GP prior to seeing your osteopath. Sometimes a GP may refer you to see an osteopath. However, as primary healthcare professionals we are trained to recognise problems unsuitable for osteopathic treatment and can refer you to other healthcare professionals if required
As explained in the services section of our website. You will be asked a few questions to obtain a detailed case history and asked to undress in order for us to examine the appropriate area. As osteopaths we work with our hands and a treatment may include soft tissue massage, gentle joint movements and joint manipulation if appropriate. These can be applied to all areas of the body not just the low back and osteopathy looks at the body as a whole.
As with adults the child's skeletal system is also prone to stresses and strains being placed upon it. Babies during delivery are put under numerous stresses to be able to descend through the birth canal and be born. Sometimes these pressures are not resolved during suckling and crying in the first few days or weeks and the child may experience retained tension. Osteopathy works gently within the cranial approach to aid the release of any stresses allowing the baby to be more relaxed and settled.